Pork soup

Pork Soup: A Traditional Recipe Full of Flavor

Pork soup is a classic dish that reminds us of Sunday meals spent with family. This simple yet flavorful recipe perfectly combines tender meat with fresh vegetables, bringing extra comfort and warmth on chilly days. In the following, I will guide you step by step in preparing this delicious soup.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg of pork with bone (shank or ribs)
- 2-3 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 parsnip
- 1 dried onion
- 1 small celery
- 2 bell peppers
- 2-3 fresh tomatoes (or a can of tomatoes in juice)
- 2 l of water
- 1 l of fresh borscht
- 2 eggs
- 1 bunch of lovage
- Salt to taste

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the pork well and cutting it into appropriately sized pieces. Chop the vegetables: carrots, parsley, parsnip, and celery into small cubes, while the onion and bell pepper can be finely chopped. If using fresh tomatoes, cut them into quarters.

2. Boiling the meat: In a large pot, add the pork along with the bone and pour in 2 liters of cold water. Place the pot over medium heat and wait for it to reach boiling point. At this moment, you will notice a foam forming on top, which you need to remove with a skimmer. This will help keep the soup clear and appetizing.

3. Slow boiling: After removing the foam, reduce the heat to low and let the meat simmer. If using a pressure cooker, the process will be quicker, and the meat will become tender and juicy in no time.

4. Adding the vegetables: When the meat is almost cooked (after about 1 hour), add the chopped vegetables (carrots, parsley, parsnip, onion, celery, and bell pepper). Don't forget to add salt to taste. Let everything simmer together for another 30 minutes until the vegetables become tender.

5. Adding tomatoes and borscht: At the end of the cooking time, add the tomatoes (fresh or canned) and the borscht. Let the soup boil for another 5-10 minutes, during which the flavors will blend perfectly.

6. Adding beaten eggs: In the meantime, beat the 2 eggs in a bowl and gradually add them to the soup, stirring continuously to create egg droplets. This will give the soup a unique texture and an attractive appearance.

7. Finalizing the soup: Finally, add the finely chopped lovage, which will bring an extra touch of freshness and flavor. Taste the soup and adjust the salt if necessary.

8. Serving: Serve the soup hot, alongside polenta or fresh bread. A slice of lemon can add a touch of acidity that will highlight the rich flavors of the soup.

Tips and useful advice:

- Choosing the meat: Opt for pork with bone, such as shank or ribs, to achieve a richer and more flavorful broth. The bone will release gelatin into the water, giving it a creamy texture.

- Using borscht: Fresh borscht adds a delicious sour taste, but if you don't have it on hand, you can use lemon juice or vinegar to achieve a similar acidity.

- Vegetarian option: If you want a vegetarian version of this soup, you can replace the meat with tofu or a mix of protein-rich vegetables, such as chickpeas or beans.

- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat?: Of course, you can experiment with beef or poultry, but the taste will be different.
- How can I store the soup?: The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze individual portions to have on hand for busy days.

- Nutritional benefits: Pork soup is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals due to the fresh vegetables. Additionally, consuming warm soup can help hydrate the body.

- Ideal pairings: This soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a yogurt garlic sauce, which will add a refreshing note.

Personal story: I fondly remember Sundays spent at my grandmother's house, when pork soup was a staple on our table. It brought us all together, and its aroma beckoned us to sit down and enjoy every bite. I hope you create beautiful memories around this soup too!

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! Pork soup is the perfect choice to bring joy and warmth to every day. Enjoy your meal!